News

Have a break? More like a jailbreak!

By Allison T.

April 1, 2026

The chocolate covered wafer candy has caught the attention of thieves, who stole over 400,000 KitKats recently.

The candy was stolen with the help of a truck, which was already transporting thousands of the candy, according to CNN world. While there is no specific area in which it was stolen, the truck was supposed to be transporting the KitKats from the factory in Italy, to the destination of Poland. There isn’t a clear date as to when the crime happened, but it was announced on KitKat's Instagram on March 29. KitKat seems to be taking the situation lightly, claiming that it is not affecting supply, or consumer safety. Each package is trackable using the batch numbers. 

There have been more chocolate heists, including a man stealing 200,000 Cadbury Creme Eggs. Some debate whether the many big chocolate steals are related. Is it a coincidence? Maybe. Either way, we may have a chocolate revolution upcoming. 

National Cheesesteak Day - it's not just a day of appreciation, it's a competition

By Lucas R.

April 1, 2026

This year, Philadelphia International Airport doubled down with an all-new world record for “the most Philly cheesesteaks lined up by another.”

Philly has always been known for sports, art and their history, and part of that history includes the iconic “Philly Cheesesteak Day”. Travelers and workers alike witnessed long lines spanning airport hallways, however- they were just cheesesteaks. With exactly 1,291 cheesesteaks in one line, it far surpassed the previous world record of about 500.  Clarence LeJeune of Marketplace PHL stated, “We went for the longest cheesesteak in history.” They certainly did succeed; after the record was certified, all food items were given out to travelers as well as TSA workers.

Raising prices of plastic around the world

By Brianna H.

April 1, 2026

As a result of the war in Iran, the cost of plastics is rising. This is due to the oil prices increasing 40%. The plastics contain mostly oil. Items that will most likely raise in expense include: garbage bags, disposable cutlery and bottled drinks.

According to CNN, the Chief Executive of Plastics, Michael Greenberg said, “In my 25 years in the plastics industry, I've never seen a monthly PE increase this large.”

Greenberg also said, “Even if the war ended tomorrow, there’s still going to be  a fairly long amount of time before the plastic supply chain normalizes itself.”

If the oil prices increase, then all the manufacturing prices will also increase and will be harder to get. Now, the plastics have reached double digits. There have been discussions about using thinner plastic to lower prices again.

Suspiciously coincidental – I think not!

By Lucas R.

March 11, 2026

Earlier this year, on Feb. 21, an owl was found napping on an antique store shelf.

It isn’t apparent how it got there, but it was just asleep. Later it was escorted out by an officer who released it into the nearby woods.

US prices going up for the first time in years

By Jai’da W.

March 11, 2026

According to The New York Times, some of the things that are going up in the US right now are barrels of oil, groceries, gas, and rent.

Science teacher Mr. Coleman said,  “I feel as though everything is expensive, the cost of food, gas, groceries, homes, rent mortgages are going up, especially if you have children you would need more than one income.”   

Senior Joshua Oliver said, “The prices are too high and too expensive and they need  to go back down.”

Science teacher Ms. Davis said, “I'm really concerned about the prices going up I am looking to retire in the next year or so so I'm very conscientious about how I'm shopping I'm concerned about the price of gas and utilities which  mine have doubled and I live by myself so I don't look for things to come down for quite a while and I think I'm going to end up using much more of my retirement for living expenses rather than having fun which is what I want to do when I retire.”

Haitian police drones killing civilians

By Kylie W.

March 11, 2026

According to Al Jazeera, as of March 2026, Haitian security forces have been using weaponized drones to conduct anti-gang operations, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, including 60 civilians and 17 children.

Sophomore Olivia Doubler explained, “I think it's unfair to the people that died that weren't associated with gangs, and I think using weaponized drones is unprofessional.”

Sophomore Brianna Hill said, “I feel like it's sad that people died for no reason, and using the police to use drones is dangerous.”

Students are not happy about the people who didn't deserve to lose their lives and don't agree with the police's use of weaponized drones.

Mysterious explosion erupts from U.S Embassy in Oslo

By Brianna H.

March 11, 2026

On Sunday, March 8, a loud sound erupted from the U.S Embassy in Oslo at about 1a.m. Reporters say there were no injuries or casualties.

Apparently, the explosion was caused by a flammable device. According to NBC News, the head of the Oslo police claims that they are still looking for the culprit.

Olivia Doabler said, “I believed this was planned and seems to be very dangerous.”

Kylie Wiest said, “I would be very scared and would be on high alert. I would also want to know what happened and who started it.”

The incident has left a thick smoke on the street where the explosion was. The police are still investigating and will have more information to come. 

Picklebrawl

By Lucas R.

Feb. 20, 2026

A brawl consisting of over 20 people broke out at a local country club in Florida. According to AP, authorities say the cause was due to a dispute over a pickleball game involving a 65-year old male, and his 51-year old wife. They both exchanged insults with their opponents, before starting the brawl. The husband and wife have been promptly charged with assault and battery.

Pennsviles Winter track season so far

By Jesse T. and John S.

Jan. 7, 2026

Pennsville Track had its first meet on Dec. 22, with many PRs and new athletes figuring it out.

Junior Carter McGlinn said, ¨I felt rusty, but I'm glad I got a PR.¨ He ran a 7.14 in the 55m.

Sophomore Jackson Mecholsky, who competed in the 400m, said, ¨I didn't have high expectations for my first meet, but I think I did alright.”

Pennsville's next meet is Thursday, Jan. 8, at Tom's River in the Bennett Indoor Athletic Complex.

Who is going to control Venezuela now? 

By Avah B., Abbigale C. and Jai’da W.

Jan. 7, 2026

On Jan. 3, the U.S. forces military "kidnaped" Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife and had them transported to the United States to face criminal charges. And now President Trump is saying the U.S. could launch a second strike on Venezuela if "they don't behave," according to Axios. 

Students in PMHS gave their opinions on the scenario in Venezuela.

Sophomore Edison Torres said, “The people are free now.” 

Sophomore Ivanna Chavez Murillo said, “I think that Edmundo González [is a Venezuelan politician] is going to be the new control of the country."

According to BBC News, U.S. President Trump said, "Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."

With this being news some people haven't heard about it and we wait to hear more news about it and what is going to happen next. 

Bondi Beach shooting kills 15 and injures 40

By Erick D. and Telven D.

Dec. 18, 2025

On Dec. 14 two armed gunmen planned and completed an attack at Bondi Beach. It was during a Hanukkah event and was targeted towards Jewish people.

The two armed gunmen were found to be father and son and were members of a local ISIS organization. Both shooters were positioned above the Hanukkah celebration on a bridge connecting the beach to Archer Park. From the advantage point they sent multiple shots down at the crowd. According to BBC NEWS, an estimated total of 83 rounds were fired which killed 15 people and left at least 40 injured. 

This shooting has had a traumatizing impact on the citizens and victims.

According to BBC NEWS, Nadine Saachs, a local civilian, said “So many people I know were murdered in cold blood,and for doing what? What did they ever do?”

Alex Ryvchen, a close friend of Rabbi Schlanger, a victim that was murdered, said, “He was the most godly, humane, kind, gracious human being I think I've ever met.”

Footage shows a 43-year-old Australian citizen named Ahmed al Ahmed bravely approaching the gunman and disarming the shooter. He then points the firearm towards the shooter, scaring the shooter away. The citizen was later mistaken as the shooter and was shot down by the cops. Ahmed is recovering in the hospital, with people raising him over $2.5 millions in donations.

The Winter Wonderland

By Avah B., Abbigale C. and Jai’da

Dec. 18, 2025

On Sunday, Dec. 14, Pennsville got 3.5 inches of snow, which resulted in a two-hour delay on Monday. From the ice roads to all the snow on the car, to kids running around and playing in the snow.

Those around PMHS gave their opinions of the amount of snow we got over the weekend.

Bathroom aide Ms. Patty said, “I thought it was beautiful but the clean up was not fun”.

Sophomore Delia Emmons said, “I did not like it, it was very cold and all I did was look at it.”

Now we wait for the snow to melt and we just need to wait and see if we are getting a white Christmas this year. 

What do Angels have to do with Christmas?

By Allison T.

Dec. 18, 2025

In 2024, 35.9 million Americans lived in poverty, which is 10.6% of the population. 10.4 million children lived in the same condition (14.3%). During the Christmas season, is when these people get most of their help, including over one million children in the Angel Tree Program. 

The Angel Tree Program, run by the Salvation Army, gives to children whose guardians cannot afford, or get Christmas presents, and in some cases, basic necessities like clothes or food.

The process starts with a person or family applying for the program. It is guaranteed that the people in the program do actually need the help, as the process involves personal details to confirm. Such details are not shared with the public. From there, volunteers "adopt an angel”, or get a small amount of information about the child in order to get them the gift they request. Usually there is a name, age, and a request on a slip of paper. Usually children request small toys or clothes, nothing that would cost too much money. Sometimes volunteers go outside the request and buy frequently requested items like bikes, dollhouses, and other large items, but it is not expected, with most people spending less than $30. If you don’t like kids, adopt a senior angel. Some elderly people have trouble supporting themselves as well, so they are also available to donate to. Some tags go past the requested date, and at that point they become a “forgotten angel.” 

This program is a little more than just Christmas presents. There is always an option to donate money, clothes, (most times) canned food, and personal hygiene items to a variety of programs. These programs are not about religion, but about helping people in difficult situations. You can donate online, ship a donation, or return it in person via a store or warehouse that supports a program. There are so many options aside from the Angel Tree Program as well such as, Toys for Tots, USPS Operation Santa, Operation Christmas Child, as well as many churches, food drives, wish-fulfilling programs (Make a Wish, One Simple Wish) and occasionally even PMHS. There are so many resources that are local and achievable for very cheap. 

So what exactly do angels have to do with Christmas? Angels are a symbol of hope, as they are known for delivering good news and holding peace. If you can, please consider donating to any program.

Copper is cancelled! Pennies are no longer being made!

By Allison T.

Nov. 21, 2025

After almost 250 years of pennies being made, Nov. 12 this year they have stopped being produced. 

With the prices of everything rising, it is a no-brainer that the supplies that make such money are more expensive too. Pennies, still worth one cent, take almost four times as much to make, at 3.69 cents. Because of this, the USA has lost $85.3 million in just the last year, according to the Federal Reserve bank of Richmond. America has had much worse debt for years and for different reasons, but one of the biggest reasons for the halt of penny production is because of the increasing cost and addition to debt. Removing pennies should save $56 million this year, although most of that money may be from rounding. 

What does this mean for cash transactions? Cash transactions will eventually have to be rounded down, according to the Commerce bank. The penny provided a flexibility for transactions that is no longer possible with the smallest coin now being $0.05. If the transaction ends in three, four, eight, or nine cents it will be rounded up to the nearest five cents, one, two, six, or seven being rounded down. If it ends in five or zero, those could obviously stay the same.  

Does this mean pennies are more valuable now? Yes and no. Certain pennies have always been valuable, but it all depends on the condition and rarity. Most pennies are going to be worth the exact same. There are about 114 billion pennies still in circulation, so you can still use them, or maybe see if you do have a rare one. 

Overall, there are still lots of pennies in circulation. Pennies will not be going away anytime soon. People would have to lose billions of pennies for them to completely vanish. If you’re scared of them getting lost, maybe hold onto your sentimental pennies a little tighter. 

Australian prisoner sues for the human right to eat Vegemite

By Lucas R.

Nov. 21, 2025

A certain prisoner in Melbourne, Australia by the name of Andre McKechine is attempting to sue the Victoria Department of Justice over a ban on Vegemite. This ban has been in place since 2006, trying to help keep smuggling at a low due to the fact that prisoners used to smear contraband with vegemite, distracting the search dogs. According to AP News, Despite this ban, McKechine claims that it is a breach of human rights, as it is part of his culture to consume vegemite. This is still currently going to trial. 

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a runaway inflatable pumpkin

By Zach S.

Oct. 17, 2025

In the early morning of Oct. 8, Ohio police found themselves in a peculiar chase. They weren’t chasing a person or even a car but an inflatable pumpkin. 

Apparently the giant inflatable broke free from the front of a local house in Parma Heights, Ohio and went rolling around the town. 

According to ABC 6 News, one of the officers attempted to grab the bottom of the inflatable “and when I went to grab it over here, it just took off. I was pretty much in pursuit.” The police also said that “Cinderella's Carriage did indeed turn back after midnight.” 

According to The New York Post, a cop wrote in a Facebook post, “The pumpkin was quickly detained and brought to its owner without incident.” 

After finally catching it, police struggled to deflate it and stuff it in the trunk.

Cops found this strange occurrence funny and amusing. Some may say the pumpkin was possessed. Luckily, nobody was injured as there was no damage done to anyone's property. 

Raja Jackson caught and released 26 days after assaulting a veteran

By Erick D. and Telven D.

Sept. 25, 2025

Raja Jackson Brutally beat former veteran Sterwart Smith while performing at a pro wrestling event. 

Raja Jackson and Stewart Smith  had an altercation in the parking lot of the event. Jackson's friends and family provoked Jackson by teasing him. Jackson later decided to join the pro wrestling event and go off script. Jackson slammed Smith and punched him in the face over 20 times. The other pro wrestlers pulled Jackson away and Smith was left unconscious. Smith was later rushed to the hospital and announced to be in critical condition but is now on his way to recovery. 

Doug Malo, the wrestler who pulled Jackson off of Stew, believed that Raja would not have stopped if he did not pull him off. 

According to Yahoo Sports, pro wrestler Doug Malo said, “By the way, work a better double leg, you prick. I’m telling him to calm down. I’m not even fighting. I’m not even being hostile. He’s trying to work and get lower, change positions, and I’m over here having to swim with him, and he punches me in the eye after we’re breaking it up, the f–king loser.”

Doug Malo also said, “I think he would have killed him,” and then added, “I promise you, he would have killed him,”according to Yahoo Sports.

Jackson was sent to jail but was shortly released after his dad, Quinton Jackson, paid off his $50,000 bail. Jackson, after nearly killing Smith, spent less than a day in jail. No further details about his case have been released. 

Innocent or guilty? Information from the case with D4vd. 

By Allison T.

Sept. 25, 2025

On Sept. 8, the body of now identified Celeste Rivas was found in a car registered to singer D4vd’s name. The 15-year-old girl was reported missing beforehand and sources point to her running away with D4vd. 

Rivas was last seen in April 2024, and recently her remains were found in a car registered to D4vd, although he has not been arrested due to unreliable evidence. So far the case is too new to make any concrete accusations. The car did have Texas plates, but was never reported stolen, according to LBC news. D4vd was on tour when it happened, but the body had already started decomposing, implying it had been there a while.

Some people say evidence points to him, especially lyrics from his unreleased song.“Oh, Celeste. The girl with my name tattooed on her chest,” lyrics from the D4vd song “Celeste,” named after the victim.

This does raise concern regarding the fact that they did in fact have matching tattoos (although not exactly the one mentioned in the song). Considering Rivas was 13 when she was reported missing, means she may have illegally gotten the tattoo with D4vd. Screenshots and images show that Rivas did have some sort of relationship with him. One image shows how she was supposedly at one of his concerts in the front row, while he was singing and pointing to her, but it is not entirely clear that it is her. 

Recently a video came out where her previous teacher talked about Rivas. “You want to know how they met? Social media,” the teacher claimed, according to Men's Journal. 

The police never commented on the video. 

Overall, this case is far from complete. So far none of the evidence is reliable enough to make any accurate conclusions. Rivas’s family is being updated throughout the whole case, and authorities are consistently working on it. In this case, time is the best thing to give it for more evidence to surface, which is inevitable.